He was born in Orange, Texas on June 20, 1937. R.A. graduated from John H. Reagan High School in Houston in 1955 and received a bachelor’s degree from the University of Houston. While working 40-hour weeks, traveling for the company, and raising a family, R.A. attended the University of Houston night school for nine years and graduated in 1967.
He was married to Linna Jean Hurst on June 28, 1958.
R.A. had a career of over 66 years in the wholesale optical business (Southern States Optical Company) and several prescription safety eyeglass businesses.
He was a lifelong member of the Methodist Church, a 60-year member of Reagan Masonic Lodge and numerous Masonic organizations.
R.A. had a passion for sports, especially listening to Houston Cougar football and the Houston Astros, Oilers, and Texans. He loved to fish with his son, Kirk, and two grandsons, Matt & Jeff. He also enjoyed golfing with his son, Stephen. When his sons were small, R.A., coached and umpired for the Timbergrove Little League and was president for one year.
He was proceeded in death by grandson, Parker Mackenzie and parents, R.A. & Katherine Mackenzie. He is survived by his wife, Linna Jean, son, Stephen & wife, Anne, and son, Kirk & wife, Mai, grandsons Matt & Jeff, and granddaughter, Cassidy, sister, Shirley & Don Nettle, and brother, Howard and Dorothy Mackenzie, and niece, Suzy and nephews, Brad, Jimmy and Mark.
In Memoriam